Kohler Waters Spa

Midwest Living Review

Maggie Ginsberg-Schutz and Kendra L. Williams

Superior water expertise and skilled spa technique come together in this luxurious below-ground spa.

It makes perfect sense to us that Kohler Company should offer a luxury spa, and overall, it is a solid experience. It's all about wellness through water, and both the facility and service menu reflect that philosophy. In summer 2010, a renovation introduced four new signature water treatment rooms, all decked out with the latest, most innovative Kohler bath products. Brand new and exclusive to the Kohler Waters Spa is the new Kohler Custom Vichy shower, unlike any other vichy shower in the world. The body-length, overhead wand is armed with six Kohler rainshower tiles and computer operated, leaving the therapist's hands free to work on you. The Lavender Rain specialty treatment starts with a eucalyptus and lavender exfoliation, followed by a lavender infused wrap, the warm vichy shower, and a full-body moisturizer -- and you never have to get up off the bed. The Acoustic Bath treatment features VibrAcoustic technology by Kohler, a unique and apparently therapeutic blend of music and sound vibration -- and a total trip. It's hard to keep your eyes closed and relaxed when there are so many fun Kohler products to look at, but not impossible. The jaw-dropping focal point of the spa itself is the waterfall feature, spilling into a narrow pool lined with comfortable chaises. Slip into a robe and sit poolside with a spa lunch, or linger in the plunge pool, the whirlpool, the steam room and sauna for as long as you wish. Upstairs in the lobby is a gift shop with a full line of make-up and Kohler signature bath and body products, several lounges, a small but well-equipped fitness center, and a mini nail and hair salon with a smattering of Aveda products.

The only thing we wish we could change about the experience was the relatively hard sell of products at the end of our treatments; our facial technician spent a fair amount of time talking about the imperfections in our skin and trying hard to persuade us that we'd see an improvement if we bought the products she recommended. The approach took away from the relaxing vibe of the spa; we'd rather leave feeling beautiful and rested.